By Our Reporter
Shillong, April 7: Meghalaya kept their campaign afloat in the NECDC U-23 Women’s T20 Tournament with a composed six-wicket victory over Arunachal Pradesh in a crucial Group B encounter in Rangpo, Sikkim.
Coming into the match on the back of a heavy 67-run defeat to hosts Sikkim, the equation was simple yet unforgiving—win, or risk fading out of contention. The pressure was evident, but so was the response.Arunachal Pradesh, having won the toss, opted to bat first.
However, their innings never truly gathered momentum.
The Meghalaya bowlers, disciplined and sharp, ensured that scoring remained a constant struggle. Wickets fell at regular intervals, breaking any chance of building a substantial partnership.
Skipper Nabam Yakar tried to steady the innings with a modest 21, but lacked support from the other end. The standout performer with the ball was Cheanchi K Sangma, whose spell turned the tide decisively.
Bowling with control and purpose, she returned figures of 3 for 14 in her four overs, effectively choking the Arunachal batting line-up.Restricted to 99 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, Arunachal’s total always appeared within reach—yet in T20 cricket, even modest targets can become tricky under pressure.
Meghalaya’s chase began on a steady note, with Monica Singh providing early impetus through a brisk 22 at the top. But just when things seemed to be settling, a couple of quick wickets threatened to introduce a hint of uncertainty.
It was then that Suriti Kumari Ray stepped in with calm authority.
Unfazed by the situation, she anchored the innings with an unbeaten 36, guiding the chase with maturity beyond her years.
Alongside her, Jayshree Singh chipped in with a valuable 14, and together they ensured that the required run rate never spiralled out of control.
There were no late hiccups, no dramatic twists. Just a controlled finish. Suriti fittingly struck the winning run as Meghalaya reached 100 for 4 in 16.4 overs, sealing a win that was as crucial as it was convincing.
For her match-defining spell, Cheanchi K Sangma was rightly adjudged Player of the Match, her bowling laying the foundation for Meghalaya’s much-needed triumph.
Meanwhile, it was a contrasting start for Meghalaya in the NECDC U-19 Men’s One Day Tournament. Playing in Dimapur, the side suffered a heavy 144-run defeat against Manipur in their opening Group A fixture.
They will, however, have little time to dwell on that loss, as they are set to face hosts Nagaland in their next match on Wednesday—another opportunity to reset, and perhaps, to respond.
